Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for May 26, 2026

Upshur County Sheriff Mike Coffman told Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce members that workplace security starts with hiring and a safety-first mindset. He also urged businesses to consider cameras, better lighting and even LPRs to deter crime and aid investigations.

WVU Eye Institute clinician-scientist Tony Realini, M.D., M.P.H. has made a $150,000 gift to support the Institute’s new $233.5 million outpatient facility in Morgantown, set to open in fall 2027. The fourth-floor research space will be named the Realini Clinical Research Center.

West Virginia has completed certification of the 2026 Primary Election, with all 55 counties finalized as of June 10, except races under contest. Turnout was 21.02%, but early voting rose more than 8% over 2022, and a full report is due later this summer.

WVU will induct David Alvarez, Steve Antoline, David Hendrickson and Bill Wilmoth into the Order of Vandalia on June 19, honoring their loyalty and service through leadership, business and fundraising. The ceremony will also remember five Vandalians who died in the past year.

West Virginia’s Cancer Registry earned the CDC’s top “Registry of Excellence” honor for meeting rigorous 12- and 24-month data standards, highlighting its commitment to complete, high-quality cancer data.

West Virginia has issued immediate interstate movement rules for warm-blooded animals entering from New World Screwworm-impacted areas to protect livestock and companion animals.